Health Department ad campaign targets loud headphones

The city's Health Department launched an ad campaign Tuesday warning against the dangers of loud headphones.

The New York City Health Department is warning young people of the dangers of too-loud headphones.Credit: Provided

The city's Health Department launched an ad campaign Tuesday warning against the dangers of loud headphones.

"Listening to headphones at high volume for too long can damage your hearing," Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said in a statement. "If you want to continue to enjoy music in the future, you'll turn down the volume today."

The ads, which will appear in subway cars, online and on radio, encourage New Yorkers to turn down the volume to avoid ringing in the ears or irreversible hearing loss.

Music at high volumes can injure delicate hair-like cells within the inner ear that convert vibrations into the sound that we hear.

The city reports that one in four adults 18 to 44 years old who use headphones have hearing problems.

The department discourages tuning out loud noises, like fellow commuters on the subway, by turning up the volume.